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Angie Jenkins’ 4.0 team
from Savannah has been together for seven years. Sure, players had come and
gone, but the teammates have remained very close, just like a family. They
often go to lunch and dinner together, and they try to celebrate birthdays
with each other.
People say that in times
of trouble, you can always turn to family. Little did Angie know how true
that statement was until her husband, Louis, was diagnosed with one of the
rarest forms of cancer known. It wasn’t until a biopsy was sent to Italy
that Louis and Angie’s worst fears were confirmed nearly five years ago.
The tennis community has
rallied around Angie and Louis. “The love and support has been so genuine,”
said Angie. She added, “There’s never been a ‘I can’t, or won’t,’ they
always have time for us.” Even players from other teams have brought food
and clothing, taken care of the family’s pets, and done anything that the
Jenkins family has needed. With tears in her eyes, Angie added, “These
people have been our lifeline.”
Louis was an outstanding
college basketball player, and coached for 25 years in the Savannah area.
Louis’ teams captured eleven city championships and two state
championships. There can be no question that Louis inspired and motivated
his players in much the same way as he has impacted the tennis community in
Savannah.
Louis met Angie when a
mutual friend was helping Angie paint a house she recently purchased. Louis
dropped by, and despite holes in her shirt, and paint on her clothes, her
face, and in her hair, Louis was impressed and called soon after. |
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Back row, left to right: Sheila Day, Monica Peetoom, Kim Grimmett, Bee
Burke, Kelly Britton, Barb Lauer, Andrea Williams, and Carie Fife. Front
Row, left to right: Mary Connor, Louis Jenkins, and Angie Jenkins.
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